They say the best things in life are free. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, during this trying time we know this statement to be true. Life is filled with simple pleasures, the little satisfying affects you never really think about, but always take great pleasure in. We are reminded about the joy in simple pleasures of things like: a first sip of coffee in the morning, taking a bath, hearing the right song at the right moment, the companionship over puzzles, a peaceful place to sit, the smell of homemade soup, or the sight of plants shooting up new growth. These are just some of the gifts of life that our families continue to experience in their own unique way here in our Hospice home.

Moments That Mattered...

... Recently one of our residents took great pleasure in hearing his daughter play the piano from the comfort of his bed.

"This is what we hoped would happen. That the power of music would be unleashed for your residents." Ruth and Ron Moir, Piano donors

... Puzzles. There is no better medicine or therapy than sitting alone with someone you feel comfortable with.

Thanks to Kitchen Coordinator Michael for the familiar inviting smells, and creativity of his daily home-made soups!

Thank You!

A thank you to the always smiling duo of Sheri and Shelly atThe Hearing Center Inc. They continue to support our Hospice in so many ways. Thank you both, thank you also to your chocolate loving clients and to Rheo ThompsonCandies for supplying the chocolate bars!

For many of us, especially in these unusual times, is the comfort and normalcy of our morning coffee. The residents of Rotary Hospice and their families are no different. It’s why Anne and Dave Campion of Revel Caffe in Stratford made a campaign pledge to keep the Hospice kitchen supplied with fresh ground coffee. In the nine months since the first resident moved in, coffee consumption has surpassed their annual commitment and yet they continue to give. Last week, in fact they supplied our Hospice kitchen with more than twice the regular amount to ensure our families did not go without. Because they cared.

Anne and Dave along with Sheri and Shelly are just two examples of so many who have contributed – and continue to contribute – to the building and operational needs of our hospice. THANK-YOU!

With people across the country practicing physical distancing, the new normal is meant to be popping out only for essential food and supplies.

In order to protect the health and well-being of our residents, their essential visitors, and core staff, we have had to place our Volunteer Visiting and Grief and Bereavement Programming on hold, at least in its usual way of doing things. We remain resourceful in how we will continue to support our community without interruption in our specialized services or fundraising events.

This means video conferencing friends and family instead of attending a birthday party, and phone calls or visits through windows instead of dropping in at loved ones' homes. It means a return to handwritten letters or postcards where emails or technology doesn’t live. It means change! It’s not a comfortable lifestyle right now but in support of what public health experts are saying, there’s really no other choice.

Our clinical team continues to provide a peaceful, comfortable home with 24 hour specialized palliative care for those living with a terminal illness. When possible, our visiting volunteers are staying socially connected with their families via technology, or different creative ways. Other staff remain working from their homes, available via email or phone, as per usual, we are answering all your communication.

In the meantime, do your best to stay safe. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Focus your attention on foaming up your hands with lots of soap. Smell it. Look at it. Feel the warmth. Listen to the running water. Enjoy the whole process. It is a kind of meditation which in turn will bring good luck. Take care. Stay healthy.

Remember. "We're all in this together."

That Discomfort Your Feeling is Grief

Anarticlewritten by Harvard Business Review (2020). David Kessler, the world's foremost expert on grief shares his thoughts on why its important to acknowledge the grief you may be feeling, how to manage it, and how he believes we will find meaning in it.

Watch CBC News Video: How Canadians across the country are helping each other through the COVID-19 pandemic.

#VirtualHike4HospiceComing soon on Sunday June 7th is our 6th Annual, Hike for Hospice presented by Ontario Home Health & Oxygen. Originally this year’s hike had been planned to take place along the Thomas Orr Memorial Trail at the Stratford Perth Museum. However, with the uncertainty of COVID-19 we are again changing with the times! Join us in our Virtual Hike with so many FUN unique opportunities being planned for YOU! It’s an opportunity to get outside in your safe space while supporting a great cause. That’s right, you can hike from your own chosen safe location, with whomever you choose to hike with, anytime on Sunday June 7th. All pets are welcome! Be as unique as you want to be!

Register today as an individual hiker or rally your friends, families and/or co-workers to be a virtual team. Join us by photos, videos or writing blogs sharing your hike moments and who you are hiking for! Let’s share our loved ones, our memories, our gratitude and most importantly your support of Hospice Palliative Care in Perth County community.

Last year, thanks to our hikers this event raised almost $70,000!! Your support, your pledge, your donation is so vital to our community! Please join us again this year to help us reach our goal of $90,000. Together we know we can do this.

Visit our website for more information on this event, how to register and for our continuous updates on #VirtualHike4Hospice – Please NOTE: we will be monitoring and supporting the COVID-19 Health guidelines & recommendations for this event. Even though you can’t participate together physically doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun as a group! All registered hikers will receive up to date messaging on the event.

Every Donation Matters

More than ever before, we are encouraging our stakeholders to continue to make charitable donations. Your donations are what help us to continue to provide our programs and services at no cost. (Below our spotlight on David, a monthly donor)

“My dad spent his final few days in a Hospice. While it was sad to see him pass away, his last days were a good experience. Hospices have a very calm, welcoming, home-like atmosphere. The best thing for me was that my mom was able to do nothing but spend time with her husband of 60-plus years.When the hospice opened in Stratford I decided to donate monthly to their ongoing operating costs. I want to help fund a place where families can go knowing not only that their loved one had a good life but also a good end-of-life. My donation comes off my credit card automatically and I really don't notice it anymore. But I know it's put to good use.” (Dave Yates).

Did you know......Annually it costs us approximately $600 per bed to provide comfort and care to our residents. This is to offset the expenses not covered by governement funding. By giving a donation of $50 per month, you are supporting families like David's each and every day. Your monthly donation ensures that our residents are provided the highest level of comfort and care. Join us now and become a monthly donor.